Everyone loves the first showers from above and the fun that follows, giving relief to the earth, plants, animals and people alike. Green destinations, mountains and valleys like Lonavala and Khandala are popular destinations during the monsoon months. The rainy season, however, can also bring difficulties like infections and pain.
How the Different Body Types Fare in the Monsoon
Let us first consider the body types. People of the Kapha constitution are prone to catch colds and coughs during this time. Those with a Pitta constitution may have increased heat. Those who have a Vata imbalance are prone to asthma, joint pain, back pain etc.
Don’t lose heart, there is an easy solution to all these problems. We need to become aware of the changes that may occur in our bodies due to the rains outside and with a little care, all these troubles can be avoided easily.
We must remember that sunlight is the prime source of energy for our planet. Not only the trees use this energy to produce fruits, grains and all other food products, but wood converting into coal, diamond or mineral oil is also a long term action of sunlight. Sunlight is also responsible for our health, our energy, enthusiasm and other expressions of health and life. Its presence keeps us protected. Like a thief would select a time and place to steal when no one can see him, similarly various bacteria and viruses become active and attack other living beings in the absence of the sun. They get this opportunity in the rainy season. So let’s see some of the easy and effective remedies to manage health in these circumstances.
- Ayurveda recommends boiling the water before drinking throughout the year, however, this is a must in the rainy season for two reasons. First, to prevent infections that originate in water, and second, boiled water is easier to digest.
- Since water and fire have opposite properties, due to the excess water in the external environment, the natural consequence is to have low digestive fire internally. Drinking water should be boiled and taken hot or warm during the rainy season. Adding 1 or 2 pinches of Jalasantulan mixture in the water while boiling will be more effective.
- People with a tendency for Vata imbalance or an increase in joint pain during these days can try the following home remedy. Sunth – dry ginger powder, jaggery and homemade ghee. Mix 2 parts of grated jaggery in 1 part of Sunth (dry ginger) powder thoroughly, add enough homemade ghee to enable making small balls (the size of a betel nut). Store these in an airtight container. Eating 1 ball daily in the morning will improve digestive capacity and balance Vata dosha.
- Santulan Annayog tablets after meals are especially effective in this season.
- Many people experience throat pain, cold, feverish feeling at the onset of rainy season. An easy Herbal tea prepared with a blade of lemon grass, 2-3 leaves of tulsi or basil, 2-3 fresh mint leaves, piece of fresh ginger, half teaspoon of fennel seeds and stone sugar as per taste in a cup of water is seen to be very effective.
- One of the best all-round immunity boosting remedies for this time is San Amrut herbal brew. Along with such tea, taking half teaspoon of Santulan Sitopaladi powder with honey is also very effective.
Let us know whether these strategies proved beneficial for you! Next month we will bring you Part 2 of Shields Against Common Monsoon Infections. We wish you good health so that you can sit back and enjoy this season of greenery and the refreshing environment it brings.